CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The concept of politics constitutes those activities which relates to the governance of a nation. It entails making decisions which affects the people of the society (Rod Hague, 2013). It also means attaining a position and exercising the power of   governance over a given society or nation. It is viewed as the administration of a constitutional system of government. Governance involves exercising control over  a territory or state (Mark , 2012).Consequently, Participation is considered as essential .Many institutions and government have demonstrated the need for youth participation in the political process of the nation so as to enhance youth active citizenship, inclusion, integration and effective  contribution to the development of democracy and institution of governance. It is believed that this is essential to build a prosperous and developed nation. But, the changing political, cultural and economic realities have greatly affected the active participation of youths in politics and governance. Many youths are disengaging from democratic and civic activities and concentrating more on professional careers. According to reports, 73% of youth who are eligible are restrained from running for political offices; thereby affecting the number of youth holding political appointments. In Nigeria, the ‘not too young to run bill’ was institute to provide inclusion for youths in the political governance of the nation. But the bill is yet to gain popular recognition and implementation. The study seek to appraise the challenges of youth in politics and governance; the assessment of “the not too young to run law”.

1.2     STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The concept of youth involvement in politics and governance has consistently gain attention in view of the role of youth in the development of the society. Many youths have been found to be involved in politically processes but not elected into public offices. This has greatly affected the participation of youths in the political process. Participation is considered as essential but, the changing political, cultural and economic realities have greatly affected the active participation of youths in politics and governance. Many youth are disengaging from democratic and civic activities and concentrating more on professional careers. According to reports 73% of youth who are eligible are restrained from running for political offices thereby affecting the number of youth holding political appointments. The institution of the bill of ‘not too young to run law” has not been widely recognized and implemented. Hence, the need to popularizes the bill. This bill provides the age for the House of Representatives to be from 30 years to 25 years and 35 years to 40 years for Senate. However, that of the   president to be 40 years. Therefore, the problem confronting the study is to determine the challenges of youth participation in politics and governance, the assessment of the “the not too young to run law”.

1.3     OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objectives of the study is to appraise the challenges of youth participation in politics and governance; the assessment of “the not too young to run law”. The specific objectives of the study include:

1.    To investigate the relevance of youth participation in politics and governance in the society.

2.    To find out the challenge of youth participation in politics and governance.

3.    To identify the nature and significance of “the not too young to run law”.

1.4     RESEARCH QUESTIONS

i.        What is the relevance of youth participation in politics and governance in the society?

ii.        What is the challenge of youth participation in politics and governance?

iii.        What is the nature and significance of “the not too young to run law”?

1.5     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study shall provides relevant information on the nature and significance of the “the not too young to run law”. It shall also proffer an appraisal of the relevance and challenges of youth participation in politics and governance in the society.

1.6     SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study focuses on the appraisal of challenges of youth participation in politics and governance with the assessment of “the not too young to run law”.

1.7     LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The demanding schedule of respondents at work made it very difficult getting the respondents to participate in the survey. As a result, retrieving copies of questionnaire in timely fashion was very challenging. Also, the researcher is a student and therefore has limited time as well as resources in covering extensive literature available in conducting this research. Information provided by the researcher may not hold true for all businesses or organizations but is restricted to the selected organization used as a study in this research especially in the locality where this study is being conducted. Finally, the researcher is restricted only to the evidence provided by the participants in the research and therefore cannot determine the reliability and accuracy of the information provided.

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8     DEFINITION OF TERMS

POLITICAL SYSTEM: A framework which focus on defining acceptable political methods within the state or nation.

ELECTION: A competition between different political parties for electives public office.

POLITICAL PARTY: This is a political organization which aims to seek and control political power in government.

YOUTH: This consist of persons within the age of 15-35 years.